Justice of the Peace Robert Taylor’s half-century of duty to the community

Fifty-two years ago, local Telecom technician Robert Taylor was looking for a Justice of the Peace to witness some paperwork. Having trouble finding anyone, he decided the only way forward was to become one himself

“Well, I wasn't expecting this,” Robert said at the fuss being made last week as Member for Orange, Phil Donato, presented him with a certificate of appreciation for his 50 years of service as a Justice of the Peace.

“Justices of Peace play a pivotal role in the administration of justice in our community… witnessing signatures, making sure documents are filled-in correctly and genuinely and authentically, " Mr Donato said.

“They are the eyes and ears of Justice the local community on a grassroots level, without them we would be much worse off.”

It was in 1972 that Mr Taylor had returned home to Orange from Narromine and he found himself in need of a JP.

“At the time I was looking for a Justice of the Peace, I forget what it was for,” Mr Taylor recalled.

“But I couldn't find one. So I thought, well, if I become a Justice of the Peace I might find a few others —  that's what happened.”

Mr Donato said it can still be difficult to find a JP when needed and his office fields regularly enquires from members of the public looking for one.

“I don't have one working here, but we usually send people to the chemist or the courthouse and there's this merry-go-round of people, often, trying to find a Justice of the Peace,” Mr Donato said

“So it's a noble vocation that really, there's no financial reward for it, they do it out of the goodness of their own heart and wanting to improve the system,” he continued.

“On behalf of a grateful community — and I know the Attorney General signed that — 50 years of continuous service is a terrific accomplishment. Congratulations, Mr Taylor. Well done. You should be very proud of your achievement.” 

“I am actually,” Mr Taylor said after a pause. “I'm not sure how to express it!”